Wednesday, 25 October 2023
Parliamentarians and journalists were among those who attended an event aiming to increase prison safety, prompted by recent research from the 糖心原创.
The research, led by Professor Philippa Tomczak in the School of Sociology, , and recommended changes to investigations into prisoner deaths.
Every year, hundreds of prisoners die in England and Wales — in the 12 months to September 2022, there were 307 deaths in prison custody.
The research recommended that investigations into the deaths should name the systematic reasons behind the deaths, whether it be through too many prisoners or too few staff.
The event on October 24th saw academics and representatives from a number of organisations come together to highlight the findings of the report, including HM Prisons and Probation Service, the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody, Ministry of Justice, National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death, and the NHS.
More than 70 people attended the event, promoting discussion about how best to avoid deaths of prisoners in custody, and methods to reduce pain for loved ones affected.
Professor Philippa Tomczak said: “Reading these death investigations and hearing families’ words over and over again is simply devastating. The UK is the sixth richest national economy in the world. The British education system has one of the highest education standards in the world. We can do better than this. Hopefully this event and the research will kickstart more effective prisoner death investigations and improved prison safety.”
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon added: “Listening to the testimonies of those with a family member who had committed suicide in prison was powerful, devastating. It’s clear that action must be taken to prevent further suicides in prisons. Yesterday’s event was invaluable in raising awareness amongst those who could make a difference.”
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Philippa Tomczak at Philippa.Tomczak@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.